




iHE SEVEN AGES 
OF GIVING 


A SPECTACULAR ENTERTAINMENT IN TWO SCENES FOR ANY 
TIME OF THE YEAR. TIME OF GIVING, ONE HOUR. ANY 
NUMBER OF CHARACTERS, TWO HUNDRED OR LESS. 
SPECIALLY SUITED FOR CHRISTMAS 


BY 

FLORENCE MAGILL WALLACE 


Copyright, 1910, by Florence Magill Wallace' 


PRICE, 25 CENTS 


New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 


London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
26 Southampton Street, 
STRAND 



















« 




t 


THE SEVEN AGES 
OF GIVING 


A SPECTACULAR ENTERTAINMENT IN TWO SCENES FOR ANY 
TIME OF THE YEAR. TIME OF GIVING, ONE HOUR. ANY 
NUMBER OF CHARACTERS, TWO HUNDRED OR LESS. 
SPECIALLY SUITED FOR CHRISTMAS 


BY 

FLORENCE MAGILL WALLACE 


Copyright, 1910, by Florence Magill Wallace 


PRICE, 25 CENTS 





9 


New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 


London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
20 Southampton .Street, 


STRAND 










THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


plot, 

“ Give to the world the best you have, and the best will 
come back to you.” 

Scene I. Earth’s foot-stool in Mother Nature’s home. 
Scene II. The temple of Brotherly Love. 

Cast of Characters. 


Mother Nature ..A dear old lady 

Father Time ...A nice old man 

Santa Claus .The big brother 

New Year .A small boy of about five years 


Mother Nature’s daughters. Spring, Summer, Autumn 
and Winter, 

Attendants, the twelve months. (Eight girls and four boys.) 
Three modern wise-men. Science, Literature, and Art. 

THE SEVEN AGES' OP LIFE. 


Babyhood ...A small child‘of three years 

Childhood ..,A school boy and girl 

Maidenhood .A girl of sixteen 

Manhood .A young man of about twenty years 

Wifehood .....The bride 


Motherhood. A woman of about forty years,—three 
children, ages, three, five and . seven years. 
Grandparenthgod. a nice old-fashioned grandfather and 
grandmother. 


Thirty-one days. members of the adult classes 

Twelve hours .Teachers 

Sixty minutes . Intermediate classes 

Sixty seconds .Primary classes 


Note. If the entertainment is given out-of-doors, let 
the scene be a grove of trees, the seasons and months 

3 
















4 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


entering from the left, and the days, hours, minutes, and 
seconds on the right. It is effective to have the orchestra 
stationed on a platform built in the trees. 

IProperttes. 

Scene I. A large throne in center for Mother Nature. 
A dais and stone bench at the right for Father Time. 
A foot-stool, a long green cushion, at the foot of the 
throne, profusely decorated with vines and flowers. One 
large hour-glass for Father Time, fashioned of two 
large fish globes, in a “ wooden crate.” The sand is not 
necessarily visible. This glass should be made so it can 
be easily carried by Father Time, in the entrance march. 
Emblems for the Months. Staffs of appropriate flowers 
or fruits. For the days, palm branches, (artificial). 
For the hours, vines or daisy chains carried over the 
shoulders. For the minutes, pink peach blossom 
branches (artificial). These are tiny paper blossoms 
wired onto small branches. For the little seconds, 
baskets of paper flowers petals and leaves. These are 
strewn in the path of the following minutes, hours, etc. 

Scene II. Similar to Scene I. A long bench at left for 
the wise-men. 

Dtrecttons for tbe processional. 

If the entertainment is to be given in the audience room of 
a church or school building have the Chorus, composed of 
the Days, Hours, Minutes, and Seconds, enter from oppo¬ 
site entrance doors, six Hours leading on either side in 
single file, all singing that favorite Sund^ay-School marching 
song, “Forward.” The lines pass up the side aisles, pass 
back of the seats, come toward pulpit, meet in couples, pass 
up center aisle, two passing to the right, two to left, march 
to front, then to seats "portioned off for the Sunday-School. 
If curtains are used in front of platform, they should bo opened 
by two attendants upon Scene I. 

The stage is furnished as a throne room. Mother Na¬ 
ture’s throne is upon a high platform, flanked on either side 
by six steps facing the audience. Upon each step is a card 
bearing the name of the different Months. The throne and 
steps may be elaborately decorated, if so desired. At the 
right of the throne is Father Time’s chair, a large pulpit 
chair made ‘ ‘ easy ” with cushions, etc, At the riglit of this 
is a stand for his hour-glass. It should be easily carried 
and must be turned by Father Time at the beginning of 
Scene II. 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


5 


Costumes. 

Mother Nature. A green dress, made in “ Quaker ” 
fashion, kerchief and ruffles in white, a mother’s cap of 
soft lace, and a mantle of grey chiffon over the shoulder. 

Father Time. A long gown of grey and hood of 
purple. White hair and beard. He carries the hour¬ 
glass. 

Santa Claus. The same costume he has worn for a 
hundred years, only this time no cap or bells. 

Spring. A Grecian gown, or a simple little evening 
dress of light green, with a chiffon veil of delicate pink 
over head and shoulders, arranged as a bridal veil. Gar¬ 
lands of flowers and vines. 

Summer. A gown of pink, soft cotton cheese-cloth or 
crepe will do for these gowns. Arms and neck bare, 
and the whole flgure wound with garlands of bright 
flowers. 

Autumn. A yellow dress, close fitting, with cloak or 
mantle of deep purple. A crown of grapes or autumn 
leaves. She carries a sheaf of wheat and golden-rod. 

Winter. A long white dress, and sable furs. She 
holds a scarf or mantle of white chiffon over the head. 
This is heavily frosted with silver tinsel. One of the 
silver Indian scarfs is appropriate. A staff of holly and 
poinsetta. 

The Months. In Grecian gowns of various colors, ap¬ 
propriate for the seasons they represent. November, 
December, January, and February may be impersonated 
by young men in cassocks and cowls of white and purple. 
Each month carries a wreath, staff, or basket, of their 
fruits, flowers, or vines, or typical of the holidays they 
represent. The days, hours, minutes, and seconds, in 
light dresses, and bright ribbons. The boys wear their 
"‘best clothes.” 

New Year. A page’s suit of white, and a “silk hat 
of Father’s.” He carries a roll of parchment, which he 
uses as a wand, as he opens the curtains on Scene II. 

Costumes for the Seven Ages. Babyhood, a night 
gown and baby cap, and a lap-full of toys. Childhood, 
everyday school clothes, and caps. The little girl car¬ 
ries a very fancy Sunday hat, carefully wrapped in tis¬ 
sue paper. Maidenhood, a simple little white dress, a 
blue sash, and hair ribbons. A garden hat of straw with 
a wreath of flowers, tied under the chin with ribbons. 
Manhood, a soldier uniform, carrying sword and helmet. 
Wifehood, full bridal costume, veil, wreath, etc. The 
veil should be easily removed. Motherhood, black or 


6 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


grey dress, white cuffs and collar. The three children in 
simple, everyday clothes, each carrying a hat or cap. 
The mother’s bonnet of grey should be large enough to 
hold the little hats and caps of the children. Grand¬ 
parents, in typical old-fashioned costumes. Each ap¬ 
pears very old and feeble, until Mother Nature has taken 
the walking stick, eye-glasses, ear-trumpets, etc., when 
they seem to renew their youth. Grandmother wears a 
lace cap with lavender ribbons, and grandfather an old- 
fashioned silk hat of about 1860. The modern Wise-men 
wear college caps and gowns, of black and purple. Colo¬ 
nial wigs. 

(Note. These wise-men are not to represent in any 
way the three wise-men of the East.) 

(Note II. When this entertainment is given at Christ¬ 
mas time, well-known Christmas carols may be substitu¬ 
ted in place of the hymns suggested. Santa Claus need 
not be included if given at any other season. Songs 
from the primary school may be sung instead of the 
Glory Song. The songs suggested need not be used. 
Others may be chosen to suit the classes.) 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


WHILE THE DAYS ARE GOING BY. 


1st Cho. 

By Ira D, Sankey, 

Gospel Hymns No. 4. 

1st. There are lonely hearts to cherish, while the days 
are going by, 

There are weary souls who perish, while the days 
are going by, 

If a smile we can renew, as our journey we pursue. 

Oh, the good we all may do, while the days are 
going by. 

Cho. Going by, going by, going by, going by, 

Oh, the good we all may do, while the days are 
going by. 

2nd. All the loving links that bind us, while the days 
are going by, 

One by one we leave behind us, while the days are 
going by. 

But the seeds of good we sow, both in shade and 
shine will grow. 

And keep our hearts aglow, while the days are 
going by. 

After the music for the grand march has ended, the 
Chorus sing the gospel tune entitled “ While the Days 
Are Going By.” To this song the Months enter from 
the center doors, and form an aisle leading to the 
throne. Enter first, Father Time carrying his huge 
glass which he places upon the stand. Mother 
Nature follows, attended by her handmaidens, the 
Four Seasons. She is seated on the throne, the 

7 



8 THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 

Months find their places on the steps, the Seasons sit 
on the footstool and the entertainment begins. 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 


.2iid Cbo. 


Music St. Elwyn. by E. J. Hopkins. 

Words by Thomas F. Lynch, in Church Hymnal, 

Two thousand years have come and gone. 

And near a hundred more 

Since happier light from Heaven shone 

Than ever shone before 

And in the hearts of old and young, 

A joy most joyful stirred; 

That sent such news from tongue to tongue 
As ears have never heard. 

Then angels on their starry way 
Felt bliss unfelt before, 

For news that men should be as they 
To darken earth they bore 
So toiling men and spirits bright 
A first communion had. 

And in meek mercy’s rising light 
Were each exceeding glad. 

And we are glad and we will sing, 

As in the days of yore; 

Come all, and hearts made ready bring 
To welcome back once more 
The day when first on wintry earth 
A summer change began 
And dawning in a lowly birth 
Uprose the light of man. 

The verses for the Four Seasons may be sung or 
recited. The music is obtainable. 

Spring, going to center — 

The Year’s at the Spring, 

The Day’s at the morn, 

The Morning’s at seven, 

The hillside’s dew-pearled, 

The lark's on the wing. 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


9 


The snail’s on the thorn, 

God’s in His Heaven, 

All’s right with the world. 

Summer Sings 

Words by Browning. 

Music by Mrs. Beech Winters. 

Published in Sudd’s Anthems No I, 

Consider the lilies how they grow; 

They toil not neither do they spin : 

And yet I say unto you, 

Solomon in all his glory 

Was not arrayed like one of these. 

Autumn sings verse of Showers of Blessing.” 

SHOWERS OF BLESSING. 

In Gospel Hymns, No. 5. 

1st There shall be showers of blessing, oh, that to-day 
they might fall. 

There shall be showers refreshing, now as on Jesus 
we call. 

Cho. Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need, 
Mercy drops ’round us are falling, but for the 
showers we plead. 

Winter {folding her mantle of white about her 
sings) : 

“ Somewhere the sun is shining, 

Somewhere the song-birds dwell; 

Hush then thy sad repining, 

God lives and all is well.” 

{From the well-known song Somewhere,” arranged as 
a quartet.) 

Obtainable from Oliver Ditson & Co. 

Mother Nature. Bless you, my children, you de¬ 
light my heart as usual with your beautiful messages 
of love, which must sift through to the hearts of earth 


10 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


on this my birthday and the birthday of our King. 
What is the motto of this day 

All. “ Peace on earth, good will toward men.” 

Father Time. Sister mine, we have traveled 
through the centuries looking for suitable gifts for you 
on this glad day of the year. Each century flower has 
seemed more beautiful than the last, yet now on this 
day we are at a loss to find anything beautiful enough 
or worthy of your great unselfish love to give to you 
as a token. After a conference with our family, the 
Seasons, Months, Days, Hours, Minutes and little 
Seconds, we have decided to give you whatever you 
wish. No matter how great or small, it shall be 
granted. 

Mother Nature. I may ask for anything? 

All. Anything you wish. 

Mother Nature. I am afraid I too am growing 
selfish, for my wi.sh is a very big one. This gift 1 ask 
is almost impossible to obtain and still I want this gift 
more than anything. 

Spring. All things are possible. 

Summer. Name your wish. Mother, mine. 

Autumn. Even to half my kingdom. 

Winter. I have many precious things stored away 
in my ice caves. Ask for my rarest gifts. 

Mother Nature. I fear to ask it. I might be 
disappointed. I have never asked so much before. 
I want—I want the hoods. 

All (^puzzled). The hoods ? 

Father Time. Isn’t that just like a woman ? Al¬ 
ways wants a “bunnit.” 

Mother Nature. But I want the hoods of life— 
seven of them ! 

One of the Months. Impossible, they are too 
precious. No one could live without them. 

Mother Nature {pleading). I only want to borrow 
them for a time, say, one year. I will hold them 
sacredly for that time and I promise to return them. 
You know I always keep my promises. 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


11 


Father Time. Yes, except to the weather man. 
He is the only one who does not believe in you. 

Mother Nature. That is because he is a mnn. 
A man never understands a woman. (Aside) That 
weather man should have been a woman anyhow. 
Brother, may I not have the “ hoods ” ? This is the 
only gift I ask. 

Father Time. Only! Well, we will see. Let us 
see how often you can smile to-day, and. Spring, you 
just polish up your wings and fly around and see if 
you can find the seven hoods.that will be willingly and 
unselfishly given us for Mother Nature’s birthday gift. 
Do you think you can do it ? 

Spring. I hope so. (Exit) 

Father Time. Now let us see if we can’t sing- 
something to cheer her on her way. What shall it be 1 
A little Minute. Please, let’s sing “Glory.” 
Father Time. All right, little Minute, let us have 
Glory.” That ought to bring us the gift w^e want. 

THE GLORY SONG. 

Published by Church & Co. 

I St. When all my labors and trials are o’er, 

And I am safe on that beautiful shore, 

Just to be near the dear Lord I adore, 

. Will through the ages be glory for me. 

Cho. Then there will be glory for me. 

Glory for me, glory for me. 

When by His grace I have looked on His face, 
That will be glory, be glory for me. 

2 nd. When by the gift of His infinite grace, 

I am accorded in Heaven a place. 

Just to be there and to look on His face, 

Will through the ages be glory for me. 

Cho. 

Father Time. Let us have that chorus again. 
That ought to bring forth all the unselfishness and love 
in the v orld. 


12 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


{Repeat chorus as Spring enters.) 

Spring. Well, I have them ! 

Father Time and Mother Nature. ^ What, all the 
hoods? 

Spring. Yes, they are all here, waiting just outside 
the portals. Something glorious seemed to bring them 
together, and they are only waiting to enter with their 
gifts of love. 

Father Time. Let them enter, bring them in one 
at a time that all honor and deference may be shown 
them. Summer, Autumn and Winter, go and welcome 
them and bring them to the footstool. {Exit the 
Seasons) 

{Enter Spring with the Baby.) 

Spring. Here is the Babyhood. 

Babyhood {handing Mother Nature her baby cap 
full of toys). Dese are my verry bestist toys. You 
can have all my new ones, but I want to keep Sarah. 
{Holding old doll in the folds of her dress) I can’t never 
go to’ sleep wifout her, so ’tant I keep her ? 

Mother Nature {taking old doll). So this is 
Sarah 1 Won’t you let me take her for just a little 
while ? Maybe she would let me sleep, too. 

Spring {coaxing). Poor Mother Nature, just think 
how tired she must be. Won’t you let her keep Sarah 
for just one teenty, weenty, little year ? 

Baby. ’Tourse I will. {Giving her the doll) 

Mother Nature {taking the Baby in her arms). 
Why ? 

Baby. ’Cause I love you. (Baby sits beside March) 

Father Time. “ And a little child shall lead them.” 
Is the next “ hood ” ready ? 

Spring. Yes, indeed, I can hardly keep them still. 
{Goes to door) Come in, children. 

(Children run mto center^ look bashfully at audience^ 
then with a “ whoop ” jump upon the footstool, 
bounce up and down as if it were on springs.) 

Mother Nature. Childhood—How often have I 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


13 


wished I could go back to this hood! Have you 
something for me, children ? 

Boy. You just bet we have. Here’s my base-ball 
cap and bat. Be sure and give them back to me, 
’cause some day I’m going to be Captain of the Giants 1 

Mother Nature {smiling). And you, little girl, 
what is yours ? 

Girl. I brought both of my hoods—my Sunday 
one and my everyday one. You can take your 
choice. 

Mother Nature. Which do you like best ? 

Girl. My Sunday one is the prettiest, but Mother 
says my everyday one is “ realer.” 

Mother Nature. I think I will take them both and 
make them over into one. 

Girl. Yes, ma’am. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t 
give to yon. ( Children step to place beside April) 

Father Time. Who is the next ? 

Spring. Maidenhood. 

Father Time, Bid her enter. 

{£nier the Maiden wearing white and blne^ a large 
garden hat and carrymg an armful of flowers.) 

Maiden. I do not quite understand just what my 
gift should be to you, but I have brought you the most 
beautiful dowsers I could find. They are most of them 
buds, but they will open'to-morrow. 

Spring. But we want your hood—your maiden¬ 
hood. 

Maiden. Why, you don’t mean my hat, do you ? 
Of course, you may have it, only how wall I look going 
home ? I look so dreadful without my hat, besides I 
just washed my hair and I can’t- 

Father Time. Never mind the rest we have heard 
it often enough, but are you willing to give this gift we 
require ? 

Maiden. Of course {giving her hat filled with the 
flowers). I don’t care if I do look a fright, I give it 
because I love you. 

F'ather Time. Come back at this time next year on 



14 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


the birthday of our King, and you will find it trimmed 
as you like it best. 

Maiden {to Mother Nature).. Please forgive me 
for being so vain. I didn’t think. 

Father Time {musmgly). Maidens generally don’t 
think. (Maiden takes place beside the month May) 
{Enter Manhood.) 

Father Time. And who are you, sir ? 

Manhood. I am called Manhood, most Reverend 
Sir. 

Father Time. You are Manhood. Well, are 

you ? 

Manhood. Why—yes, sir,—I think so. 

Father Time. How can you prove it ? 

Manhood. I have brought the best 1 have to the 
footstool, my sword and my helmet. This is all I have 
{presenting thejn to Mother Nature). 

Mother Nature. You have given me your courage 
and your honor. I could ask for nothing better. Of 
course, he is Manhood. I take your hood {taking 
helmet). Now you are a man. 

Man. Thank you. I crave no greater gift. 

Mother Nature. Come back again in a year and 
I will add to your gift {young i7ian steps to place beside 
Maiden).' 

Summer. I have here the most sacred gift of life. 
Mother dear {bringing m the bride). She has brought 
you her greatest treasure, and asks me to present it to 
you in the name of love {taking veil a7id zvreath from 
the bride). 

Mother Nature. You are willing to give me this, 
your emblem of wifehood ? 

Bride. Most willingly. 

Mother Nature. Why ? 

Bride. Because I love. (Mother Nature points 
the place for her beside June) 

Father Time. Strange how they have learned this 
secret! 

Spring. It is because of the Glory Song, you know. 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


15 


Mother Nature. I now have the five hoods, and 
I should be satisfied, I know ; but I must ask for the 
sixth, the most beautiful hood of all. Do you think 
the Glory Song was strong enough to bring forth the 
sixth hood ? 

Autumn. You will see {leads forth the Motherhood 
with her three Children). 

Father Time. What is this hood you have brought 
us, fair Autumn ? 

Autumn. This is the Motherhood—the one that 
never grows old-fashioned. The crown is sometimes 
made of heartaches and disappointments ; the brim is 
made of tears, sorrow, happiness and joy. 

Motherhood. Ohl But we do not look at the 
crown or brim, you know. Our hood is trimmed with 
daisy chains—heartsease, baby slippers and blue bells 
{handing Mother Nature the caps and bonnets front 
the Children’s heads^ tying them with the strings of 
her own gray bonnet). We do not feel the heartache 
through baby fingers. 

Mother Nature {holding her hands). “ A touch of 
nature makes all the world akin.” You are right. 
Real mothers do not look for the crowns and brims. 
(Mother and Children step to place beside September) 

Father Time. And now for the last hood. Winter, 
what is the name of this seventh hood ? 

Winter. It is called Grandparenthood. 

Father Time. This is the one I understand {opetis 
wide the door). Come in, Grandfather and Grand¬ 
mother {taking their hatids in his). 

Grow old along with me, 

The best is yet to be. 

The last of life for which the first was made. 

Our times are in His hands 
Who said, “ A whole Fve planned, 

VMuth shows but half, trust God, see all, be not afraid.” 

Sister {to Mother Nature), here is your Sunday hood, 
the seventh. I say this is the most beautiful of all. 


16 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


Mother Nature. Will you lend me your hoods for 
a year, my dears ? 

Grandfather. “ Speak a little louder. I am kinda’ 
thick o’ bearin’.” 

Mother Nature {taking his ear trumpet from hi/n). 
Now can you hear me ? 

Grandfather. Ha ! Ha ! The best I have heard 
in twenty years. Marthe (to his wife), give her your 
glasses for a minute and see if you can’t see better 
(Grandmother does so). Ain’t Mother Nature a won¬ 
derful woman ? 

Winter. But the hoods, your grandparent hoods. 
You must give them also. 

Grandmother (taking off her lace cap). This is 
pretty old and faded, but it was made by my grand¬ 
daughter. I put the lavender ribbons on myself, but 
you are welcome to it, ma-am. 

Grandfather. This is the hat I wore when I was 
on the Governor’s staff in ’ 63 , and this cane is made 
from the Charter Oak, but you can have them (givmg 
them to her). Well, Marthe, here are all our children, 
got here ahead of us, and Baby Helen has fallen asleep 
(holding the baby in his arms). 

(A trumpet is heardl) 

Grandfather. Well, I swan, makes me think of 
-’ 63 . What’s it for ? 

Father Time. That is to call you back to earth 
(all rise). After the twelve Months have passed by, 
you are all to return on Christmas Day to the Temple 
of Brotherly Love and receive the gifts Mother Nature 
has for you in return for your hoods. March, you 
lead the way back to earth. 

(All march and exit, singing song: “ Love, Divine, all 
Love Excelling I') 


CURTAIN. 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


17 


Between Scenes I and II, the Months and Seasons 
give a very pretty scarf drill assisted by the little 
New Year. At the opening of Scene II, the 
little New Year draws aside the curtain, revealing 
the temple of the Big Brotherhood. 

THE SCARF DRILL. 

The twelve Months, and the four Seasons enter 
slowly from either side, to the air of the “ Minuet ” by 
Mozart. The four Seasons group themselves in the 
center, form a square, with the backs of shoulders 
touching, thus facing outward. The Months form a 
large circle, each carrying a long scarf of tarlatan, 
about three or four yards in length, according to the 
size of the stage. The colors should be the tints of 
the rainbow, two scarfs each of pink, blue, yellow, 
lavender, red, and grey. These are not the real 
rainbow colors, but are the only ones you can find in 
tarlatan. If grey is unobtainable, use black. Four 
yards will make two scarfs, cut in two lengths. 

I St. To the slow music, the Months step forward, 
giving three scarfs to each Season, then form a large 
circle, and with a slow, graceful step, twine the scarfs 
around the seasons, as in the Maypole dance, then un¬ 
wind them back to their original place. 

2nd Fig. The umbrella, the Seasons holding the 
scarfs over their heads, the Months spread the scarfs 
to their full widths, then circle to the left for eight 
measures, then back to place. 

3rd Fig. Face partners, as in the grand right and 
left of a quadrille, holding ends of scarfs in the right 
hand, the Seasons holding the other ends at the waist 
lines. Now intertwine or braid the scarfs as a May- 
pole is braided, six going to right, six to left, weav¬ 
ing in and out. Continue until small circle is formed, 
then at a given signal, turn and unbraid the scarfs until 
all are in original places. 

4th. Fig. After the scarfs are unbraid’ed. Autumn, 
Summer, and Winter, give the ends of their scarfs to 


18 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


Spring. She grasps six scarfs in each hand, as the 
other seasons exit. Spring then steps forward to 
center front, kneels on both knees—the Months form, 
six on each side, for the wings of the butterfly, viz. 
Spring is the body of the fly, and the scarfs, the ends 
still held at the waist of Spring, the Months at the 
other ends of the scarfs form the wings. To slow 
music (waltz time) they sway back and forth, as though 
flying. This should be done slowly and smoothly, with 
hardly any perceptible movement of the body. If 
colored lights are used on this, change the colors often 
on this figure. 

5th Fig. Spring now arises, holds her hands high, 
still holding ends of all the scarfs. The Months pass 
under her arms, go inside the scarfs, forming as horses, 
two abreast, with the harness (the scarfs) held in the 
right hands on the one side, and the left hands in the 
other. A signal is given, and the group of twelve 
horses is formed, driven by Spring. Enter the little 
New Year, with a long white lash. He grasps the 
sash of Spring, and drives them all around the stage. 
Exit. 

Encore. The New Year drives them all across the 
stage. They then pass slowly, one at a time, back to 
the main entrance. No particular step for this, only 
keep time to the slow music. 


SCENE II. 

Father Time is seated on a raised seat, slowly turning 
his hour-glass. 

{Enter the three Wise Men in great pomp and great 
honor'). 

Science {bowing to the ground). Oh, thou great 
one of all the centuries, we pray you reveal to us this 
secret of the hour-glass. What is it makes the sands 
of time pass .so smoothly from one glass to the other, 
with no apparent mechanism ? 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


19 


Art. And tell us also the secret of the coloring of 
these sands ? Who mixed the colors giving forth these 
beautiful shades of copper, violet, opal, gold, azure, 
emerald, pearl and rose ? 

Literature. And tell us, we beg of you, the name 
of the maker of the sands of time ? 

Father Time. I can answer all of your questions 
with one little word of four letters—L—O—V_E. 

Science. This is the real secret ? Hm! And 
could you tell us how many sands must pass before we 
can discover the real secret of love ? 

Father Time. Await you here awhile; within this 
hour the rewards of love will be given by my sister. 
Mother Nature, and my brother, who always assists 
her. Be ye seated on the bench of curiosity and wit¬ 
ness the revelation. 

(Wise Men nodding their heads and whispering seat 
themselves on a bench at the left.) 

(^E^iter the four Seasons, bearing a large wicker hamper 
bedecked with flowers., followed by Mother Nature, 
who arranges the hamper beside the hour-glass.) 

Mother Nature (aside). I see we have visitors. 

Father Time (laughmg). Yes, the w^eather man, 
the pickle man who painted the Earth green, and Noah 
Webster the man of many words. They have come 
to obtain the secret of the sands of time. 

Mother Nature. Would they hasten them ? 

Father Time. I think not. .They pass too quickly 
for them. Be patient, sister, they need the lesson they 
would learn. 

Mother Nature. The hour has arrived. Bring 
forth the Seven Ages. I would crown them with my 
blessing. 

Father Time. Shall not our big Brother assist 
you ? 

Mother Nature. Indeed, yes. I could not give 
the rewards of life without the touch of his hand. 
(Calls) Enter, brother. 


20 


THE SEVEN AGES OP GIVING. 


{Enter Santa Claus, genial and jolly as everl) 

Santa Claus. How-de-do, everybody. You have 
found out who I am at last,—that I am only one of the 
Big Brotherhood. Oh! Well, never mind. I am 
just as happy giving out the big gifts as I am giving- 
dolls and toys {goes to hamper'). What will you have 
first, sister? 

Mother Nature. You are always in such a hurry, 
Santa. Wait until Father Time calls the Seven Ages. 

Father Time (at door). Come in, everybody, the 
gifts are ready. Your hoods will be returned to-day 
with the decorations of the great milliner Mother 
Nature. 


EARTH’S LULLABY. 

Words by Helen Jackson. 

Music Saxe Holm, A. H. Howard. 

Published by Oliver Ditson in Church Hymnal. 

Like a cradle rocking, rocking 

Silent peaceful, to and fro 

Like a mother’s sweet looks dropping 

On the little face below 

Hangs the green earth, swinging, turning 

Jarless, noiseless, safe and slow; 

Falls the light of God’s face bending 
Down and watching us below. 

And as feeble babes that suffer. 

Toss and cry and will not rest 
Are the ones the tender mother 
Holds the closest, loves the best; 

So when we are weak and wretched. 

By our sins weighed down, distressed, 

Then it is that God’s great patience 
Holds u‘s closest, loves us best. 

Note. After the song the children give a little hush— 
a by motion song to the rocking motion of the music. 
This lullaby gesture should be used by the chorus with 
other appropriate gestures during the singing of the 
song. This can be made very beautiful if sung by a 
chorus of little ones, assisted by Mother Nature and 
Father Time, who in pantomime rock earth’s cradle. 


THE SEVEN AGES OF GIVING. 


21 


{Enter the Months and the Seven Ages singing Earth's 
Lullaby. The Months form an aisle through 
which the Ages pass to receive their gifts from the 
footstool of Nature. Each Age kneels and receives 
the hood placed upoti the head by Mother Nature 
—a placard is given each., reading in the followitig 
order: 

Babyhood —Faith. Manhood —Success. 

Childhood —Hope. Wifehood —Honor. 

Maidenhood— Friends. Motherhood —Love. 

Grandparenthood —Gratitude.) 

Mother Nature. My blessing goes with each gift 
of love and I want you to understand this secret of the 
Temple of Brotherhood. Whenever you are puzzled 
with the problems pf life, whenever you feel lost in the 
paths of earth, just remember to leave it all to Mother 
Nature and Father Time. I promise that all matters 
will adjust themselves. 

One Wise Man. We wish to enter this great 
Brotherhood. What must we do to enable us to 
enter ? 

Father Time. It is an easy entrance after you 
have received the gift of understanding. 

Another Wjse Man. But there is so much to 
understand. Can you not tell us in a few words the 
meaning of it all ? 

Father Time. Certainly. 

When God upon our little world looks down, 

In its own strenuous eyes so passing great. 

So wrapt with toys, the pen, the sword, the crown. 
Playing its game of fortune, fame or state. 

Does He not smile, the Patient One who knows, 
Keeping us gently in the onward way, 

Waiting, with kindly thought, the evening’s close 
When we shall tire of play ? 

“ And life’s vast tragedks, its sins and wrongs, 

Are they not as wounds that children feel, 


22 the seven ages oi< giving. 

A tale that to the nursery belongs 
Of hurts left to His tender touch to heal ? 

Does He not smile, the good God of us all, 
Knowing how sure His love for everyone, » • 
Making things right when evening’s shadows fall. 
And the rough play is done ? 

-SAUNDERS. 


CURTAIN. 

(Exit chorus) BRIGHTLY GLEAMS OUR BANNER. 
Music Banner arranged by A. S. Sullivan. 

Words by Thomas J. Potter. 

1st. Brightly gleams our banner, 

Pointing to the sky, 

Waving wanders onward 
To their homes on high. 

Journeying o’er the desert. 

Gladly thus we pray, | 

And with hearts united. 

Take our Heavenward way. 

2nd. All our days direct us, 

In the way to go 
Lead us on victorious 
Over every foe. 

Bid thy angel shield us 
When the storm clouds roar 
Pardon Lord and save us, 

In the last dread hour. , 

Note. Any of the Recessional hymns may he used for 
the exit march, viz.: “Onward Christian Soldiers,’’ 

“ Lift Up Your Heads, oh. Ye Gates of Brass,’’ “ Forward 
Be Our Watchword,” and “Work for the Night is Com¬ 
ing.” 



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